Photos and Chanting as Ethiopian Citizens Mark Thanksgiving
Countless individuals of colorfully attired Ethiopians assembled in downtown Ethiopia's capital for the yearly thanksgiving festival over the past days.
The festival is observed by the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and occurs at the end of the land's main rainy season.
Each year, celebrants come together around holy rivers and lakes to give thanks to their divine beings for the greenery that the rains have brought.
"I have participated in the festival for the past nine years," mentioned young adult a participant.
"In my view, the celebration symbolizes my identity, it showcases the honor and significance of my people."
Gentlemen, women, the senior citizens and the young all participate, decorated in eye-catching attire and jewellery.
They vocalize, move rhythmically, tell tales and place recently harvested foliage and blossoms in the water - symbolizing vitality, regeneration and optimism.
International Attendance
This festival does not only attract individuals from across Ethiopia, guests come from internationally.
"I visited the previous year - the experience was amazing, so beautiful, I invited my offspring with me currently," expressed one visitor, hailing from abroad.
"It is amazing. Everyone welcomes you, each person wants to give you a kiss and offers greetings."
Celebration Program
The initial day of the event occurred on Saturday in the main city. On the next day, celebrants made their way to a provincial location, a community near the main city.
Even though the festival has its foundations in traditional beliefs, it is now practiced by the larger part of the Oromo people, without consideration for their faith.
Recent Changes
In the recent years, the figure of participants participating in the event has expanded substantially. This is in part thanks to the rise of digital platforms, where various younger generation capture their outfits, dancing and musical expressions during the gathering.
Historical Context
In the previous years, this event was served as a platform for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about social exclusion.
Nonetheless, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an priority on happiness, unity and cultural pride.
